Kayaking is a sport out of many that you can explore and undertake. Like any other sports, however, you’re going to need to know which things you can and cannot do. It’s a good way of making sure you enjoy instead of not.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Kayak

Enjoy kayaking with these few do’s and don’ts from people who’ve done kayaking:

DO buy something to keep things dry, DON’T worry about getting wet. A good investment is to buy a tarp that can keep gear dry. It is also a good deterrent for tent leaks. Do not worry about keeping your feet, or any part of your body, dry; it’s nearly impossible to do so. Instead, pack extra clothes to change into later.

DO enjoy the experience, DON’T enjoy too much. Don’t stress about the small stuff—learn, live, and breathe in the experience. Enjoy the water and the experience of paddling. That being said, always be ready with your safety gear. You can enjoy doubly if you have prepared for any possible events that may happen.

DO enjoy the sun, DON’T forget to pack as if the sun won’t shine. Anything can happen during your trip, so it pays to be extra-vigilant. Even as you pack sunscreens and sun visors to keep the sun away, it’s handy to find ways to keep dry clothes. You need to prepare for wet weather too.

DO prepare for safety, DON’T fret over blisters. As you paddle, it will always happen—blisters might appear on your hands, so it’s always a good thing to keep an ointment handy. Wear gloves if you have them. You should also have some safety gear along as well. You never know when you, or other people, might need them.

Enjoyment is a Priority, too

Kayaking is a great hobby to pick up. However, as it is done mostly on the water, do follow all safety precautions that come with water sports. Learn to have fun safely, and you’ll find yourself enjoying mostly and not worrying much.

You can do your kayaking either on fresh water or salt water. Nevertheless, some places are still among the best kayaking sites you can go to. Do you know which sites these are?

The Best of the Best

Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota

This place, found in the Wilderness Superior National Forest in Northern Minnesota, has more than 1200 miles of canoe routes. It might also be important to note that there are 2000 campsites, perfect for creating experiences.

Milford Sound, New Zealand

From Minnesota, we move to another part of the globe. Milford Sound in New Zealand has writer Rudyard Kipling vouching for it, calling it the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. It has one of the most beautiful fjords in the world—the picturesque scenery is just a perfect topping to the cake.

Prince William Sound, Alaska

Prince William Sound in the Chugach National Forest in Alaska is another one for the books. You’ll have to pack extra gear, though—aside from water, you’ll also be surrounded by glaciers and come face to face with orcas. Quite an experience.

Na Pali Coast, Hawaii

It’s a big, risky preposition to kayak in a place that can only be accessed in three ways; by hiking, helicopter, or boat. Kayaking is another way of discovering this place, where scenic green cliffs and waterfalls add to the beauty, not to mention the odd dolphin or shark that call these waters home.

Baja Peninsula, Mexico

As a beginner, the Baja Peninsula in Mexico—just off the southern tip of California—is a great place to kayak. The warm waters of the Sea of Cortez have been voted annually. Aside from that, snorkeling is also an option in these waters, with whale sharks the main point of interest in these waters.

Choosing is Half the Battle

Each site holds a different experience. Will you want to kayak with marine animals, feel the cold, or take in the greenery? Whichever place you choose, the most important thing is to approach with respect and a healthy consideration for safety.

There are many sports that people can choose from. People who love the outdoors choose mountain hiking or running. Then there are the ‘water babies’ who choose surfing, boating, or another increasingly popular sport, kayaking.

There are different types of kayaking, but the same preparation for them:

• Know the Gear, Choose the Gear. Kayaking might look simple since it’s basically you paddling across the water. But lessons are great for teaching you how to get from point A to point B without aimlessly paddling across the water. It’s also a great way to get acquainted with the kayak itself and how to choose the right boat for you.

• Clothes make the Man. Or woman, for that matter. Water has a slightly different temperament than dry land. You’re going to have to learn to dress for it. You have to anticipate that you’ll get wet and go into the water during the duration of your kayaking, so quick-dry clothing and water shoes are a good start.

• Gears make a Difference. By gears, we mean safety gear. In any sport, it’s important to invest on gears that keep you away from harm or hazardous situations. In kayaking, you should invest on renting or getting buoyancy aids that look like life jackets but offer more freedom of movement. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or a long-time kayaker, safety should always be your priority.

• Follow the Proper Way. In kayaking, there is no room for daredevils, and even daredevils have a mind to follow the rules. Holding your paddle the right way and sitting in your kayak properly can make a difference. Following that or not can make or break your kayak holiday.

• Know who your priority is, not what. Always remember that the main concern during kayaking is your colleagues and not the boats. A life cannot be replaced the same way a lost paddle or a sunken kayak can.

• Keep safe, knowledge is power. There will almost always be people who will regulate and keep on the lookout for you and your friends while you go on your kayak trip. But it also pays to take lessons on how to keep safe on the water. Basic to intermediate techniques can be learned through these lessons.

In kayaking, you should pay respect to where it is done—on the water—and you should always be alert.